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St. Norbert College

Student Academic Awards

™

May 2020

Dear Students,

The St. Norbert College Student Academic Awards honor our highest

scholastic achievers and their accomplishments. The students listed in

the following pages represent dedication to learning and research –

through papers, presentations, exams, countless hours of study, and

early mornings and late nights.

We have organized your achievements into several areas:

• Faculty-Selected Discipline Awards

• Summa Cum Laude (3.9+ GPA) Graduates

• Magna Cum Laude (3.75-3.89 GPA) Graduates

• Student Biographies

• About the Discipline Awards

Every year at this time, we pause to recognize these academic efforts.

It is deeply disappointing that, because of the COVID-19 outbreak,

we are unable to gather in a public arena to celebrate on April 21 as

planned. Our cancellation of the ceremony and reception does not

change what you have personally and academically achieved during

your SNC career.

Congratulations on all you have accomplished! Take pride in what you

have done, and know how proud of you we are. Stay #SNCstrong.

Warmly,

Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke

Vice President for Academic Affairs

A Prayer Before Beauty(COVID-19 will not compromise all the beauty in the world.)

Now is the time to present ourselves before beauty … irresistible beauty; pulse-racing, knee-knocking, heart-accelerating, speech-inhibiting beauty!

Most especially now, because beauty induces wonder, joy and awe … and wonder, joy and awe are attributes of love … and love inclines us to do only the most wondrous things.

Now, more than ever, we need all of us to do wondrous things … all over the world.

No matter how far apart we are at this moment, believe this to be true (yesterday, today and tomorrow); beauty envelops us, embraces us and compels us to do that which needs to be done (perhaps sooner than later … definitely sooner).

Reveling in beauty, delighting in beauty, breathing in beauty will excite feelings in you similar to the sensation of falling in love. (Friends, you cannot not do this … after all, love is our origin, love is our constant calling, love is our fulfillment in heaven!)

Beauty awaits you at the blue hour (20 minutes before sunrise and 20 minutes after sunset) … at the golden hour (the first and last hour of sunlight) … and always in the gloaming (fireflies appear in the gloaming).

No matter how far apart we are at this moment, the great distance that separates us collapses and evaporates with the knowledge that we are all of us awash in the same radiance of the blue hour, the golden hour and always in the gloaming.

Pursue beauty, light and love … champion beauty, light and love … allow beauty, light and love to influence you and guide you. Beauty, light and love will save the world … and beauty, light and love will welcome you all back to campus one day soon.

Rev. James P. Neilson, O. Praem., ’88Continuing Part-Time Assistant Professor of Art

Student Awards

St. Norbert College Student Academic Awards 4

Faculty-Selected Discipline Awards

The Biology AwardAmy Holzer

The F. William Bohné Memorial Art AwardRhiannon Cooper Madeline LeBrun

The Sister Sally Ann Brickner Award for Excellence in EducationMadeline Miller

The Rev. Patrick N. Butler Award for Excellence in English StudiesHeidi Swanson

The Communication AwardJanelle Knick

The Computer Science AwardMichael Schirger

The Rev. Robert J. Cornell Award for Excellence in Political ScienceMigena Vula

The John E. Cramer Prize in Sociology and AnthropologyJanet Wyse

The Daniel F. Dickhut Art AwardHannah Airoldi Meghan Lamb

The Rev. Joseph E. Dorff Award in PsychologyAidan Collins

The Environmental Science AwardEllen Socha

5St. Norbert College Student Academic Awards

The Geology AwardVictoria Bain-Vrba

The German AwardDominic Maino

The Jeanne M. Godschalx Art AwardBridget Van Beckum

The Rev. Isadore Gosz Award in MediaRachel Schmidt

The Rev. Anselm M. Keefe Founder’s Award in DramaJohn Dicks Taylor Donoval

The Rev. Edward C. Killeen Award for Distinction in EconomicsCasie Bartels Jack Maastricht

The Elizabeth G. King Award for Excellence in International StudiesNatasha Rynish Tamika Wiesner

The David L. Klopotek Award for Excellence in ChemistryBailey Hanson

The Robert F. Kramer Award for Excellence in AccountingAlexis Dobberstein Anna Johnson

The Nathaniel Lebish Award for Excellence in International Business & Language Area StudiesAlexandra Krueger

Faculty-Selected Discipline Awards

The Mathematics AwardMichael Schirger

The William J. O’Callaghan Award in the Arts & SciencesMichael Houlihan

The Thomas Phelan & James Regan Award for Excellence in PhilosophyEmily Minton

The Basil R. Reuss Prize in HistoryAubrie Faust Leah Hennick

The Malcolm E. Schuldes Award for Excellence in Business AdministrationCarley Frauenhoff Matt Vanden Heuvel

The Spanish AwardElisha Jaeke Karen Suárez Jiménez

The Rev. Robert A. Sromovsky Award for Excellence in MusicMadeline Pamperin

The Theology & Religious Studies AwardEmily Bretl Zachary Moede

The Cassandra J. Voss Award in Women’s & Gender StudiesSarah Neumann


Summa Cum Laude Students

Tessa BadtkeElementary Education

Hailey BarronCommunication & Media Studies

Casie BartelsBusiness Administration and Economics

Sarah BradowElementary Education

Hailey BussArt Education

Alexandria ClarkSociology

Aidan CollinsPsychology and Spanish

Bethany DollTheology & Religious Studies

Aubrie FaustHistory Education

Carley FrauenhoffBusiness Administration and Economics

Joelynn FrischHistory Education

Alli HenkelmanSociology

Alyssa HigleyCommunication & Media Studies and Psychology

Amy HolzerBiology

Sara ImbrieElementary Education

Elisha JaekeBiology and Spanish

Abigail JantoBiology

Jennifer KempenHistory Education

Joshua KoleskeBiology

Ariana KonwentInternational Business

Rebecca KramerEducation

Alexandra KruegerSpanish and International Business

Caitlin KruegerChemistry

Abigail KurthBusiness Administration and Theology & Religious Studies

Hannah MaderBiology

Dominic MainoSociology

Mona NolteBiology

Madeline PamperinMusic Education


Summa Cum Laude Students

Brian PetersonPsychology

Laura RieggEnglish Education

Maxwell SchermacherBiology

Michael SchirgerComputer Science and Mathematics

Hanna SippelBiology

Ellen SochaEnvironmental Science and Biology

Samuel StaehlingBiology

Karen Suárez JiménezSpanish

Nicholas SurpriseBiology

Heidi SwansonEnglish

Olivia ThomsonEnglish Education

Aleena TjugumEducation

Kaitlyn TulenkoBiology

Madeline UhlenbrauckBusiness Administration

Bridget Van BeckumArt

Nicholas Vande HeyBusiness Administration

Matt Vanden HeuvelBusiness Administration and Economics

Sarah VerzalInternational Business

Migena VulaPolitical Science and Sociology

Victoria WatkinsEducation

Janet WyseSociology

Lauren YunkerBiology


Magna Cum Laude Students

Victoria Bain-VrbaBiology and Geology

Adriana BinkCommunication & Media Studies

Natalie BradishBiology

Emily BretlPsychology and Theology & Religious Studies

Madeline BrosteauEducation

Kaitlyn CampshureArt Education

Ariana CiliaEducation

Joseph CiriacksAccounting

Paige CostaHistory

Alexis DobbersteinAccounting and Business Administration

Alyse FranckAccounting

Graeme GallagherCommunication & Media Studies

Naomy Garcia OrtizSociology

Lauren GrayBiology and Spanish

Megan GundrumEnglish Education

Kelly HaenBiology

Miranda HansenEducation

Anna HartjesMusic Performance

Michael HoulihanPolitical Science and English

Jordan JagodinskyAccounting

Anna JohnsonAccounting

Tatiana JohnsonPolitical Science and History

Jarret JordanEconomics

Breanna KillianBiology

Janelle KnickEnglish and Communication & Media Studies

Zachary KrysiakPsychology

Kathryn KugelBusiness Administration

Larissa LoftusEducation


Charles Luoma-MannistoMusic Education

Jack MaastrichtEconomics and Mathematics

Amanda ManningEducation

Austin MarcksBusiness Administration

John MichalakBusiness Administration and Economics

Zachary MoedePsychology and Theology & Religious Studies

Benjamin MoreauBiology

Mallory RandallSociology

Hailey RuplingerNatural Science

Emily SchiltzBusiness Administration

Kayley SjoholmMathematics

Emilie SmithEnglish

Ashley StreeterEnglish Education

Elizabeth TulenkoAccounting

Magna Cum Laude Students

Alexis VanHielEducation

Mason VanRossumPsychology

Bradley VarnerEnvironmental Science

Kendra VerhasseltElementary Education

Sarah VorderbruggenBiology

Ryley WatzkaAccounting

Erin WeilerEducation

Brianna WiedBiology

Tamika WiesnerPolitical Science and International Studies

Kaitlyn WittockElementary Education


Student Biographies

Hannah AiroldiThe Daniel F. Dickhut Art Award

Hannah is an art major, graphic design track, with a minor in communication studies. She studied abroad in Rome, where she increased her knowledge of art history and expanded her creativity. Upon her return, Hannah was a member of the study abroad leadership team that mentors fellow students who are preparing to go abroad. In summer 2019, she completed an internship with Kohler Co. in downtown Chicago. One notable accomplishment was that her logo design was chosen by a Chicago company to use in its publication. During the school year, Hannah interned with Village Book Builders. Her advisor is Katie Ries.

Tessa BadtkeDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Tessa is an elementary education major, with a special education minor from Sheboygan, Wis. She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society. She has been a part of the St. Norbert College TRIPS program for four years and has gone on five service trips. She student-taught at Wrightstown Elementary School, working with a first-grade class. After graduation, Tessa hopes to work as a special-education teacher in an elementary school. Her advisor is Tynisha Meidl.

Victoria Bain-VrbaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Geology Award

Victoria is a geology and organismal biology double-major. She worked on independent research projects studying mosasaurs with Rebecca McKean, Sciuravid teeth with Deborah Anderson and zooplankton with Carrie Kissman. She interned at the Neville Public Museum as a research analyst and exhibit assistant. She’s been involved in many clubs on campus, notably as president of both Eco Club and Geology Club, as well as working as a TA and occasional tutor for the geology department. She recently accepted an internship at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park, where she will work as a paleontology interpreter and assistant both in the field and lab. Her advisors are Rebecca McKean and Deborah Anderson.

Hailey BarronDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Hailey is a communication and media studies major with a women’s and gender studies minor. During her time at St. Norbert College, she worked in the office of communications as a media relations associate and held multiple marketing/public relations internships throughout the Greater Green Bay area. Her interest in strategic communication prompted her to conduct an independent study on social media marketing. Hailey also served as Eco Club’s treasurer and social media coordinator and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Her advisor is Mark Glantz.

Casie BartelsDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Rev. Edward C. Killeen Award for Distinction in Economics

Casie is graduating with majors in economics and business finance. She recently accepted a job offer from Associated Bank in the credit analysis trainee program. On campus she was a part of Women in Business, Omicron Delta Epsilon economics honor society and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She conducted academic research through the Center for Business & Economic Analysis with several other students and Marc Schaffer. Notable projects include SNC’s State of the Economy, a cluster analysis for the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, and site selection for NEW Junior Achievement. During her senior year, she was selected as the winner of the Financial Executives International of NEW award for academic excellence. Her advisor is Paul Bursik.

Adriana BinkDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Adriana is a communication and media studies major with a media emphasis. She is from Kiel, Wis. Adriana accepted a full-time position as a digital content producer at WFRV Local 5 News in Green Bay last summer and graduated in December. Adriana was the sports editor for the St. Norbert Times and a member of the Honors Program. Her advisor is Mark Glantz.


Student Biographies

Natalie BradishDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Natalie graduated with a degree in organismal biology in December 2019 and has since begun an internship at U.S. Compliance Corp., an environmental consulting firm outside of Minneapolis. She also is a graduate of St. Norbert’s Gap Program, a first-semester service-learning and travel program. Natalie enjoyed working as a community organizer at the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding, and her love for the outdoors prompted her to join SNC’s Adventure Club and Wakeboard & Waterski Team.

Sarah BradowDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Sarah is an elementary education major receiving a dual certification in special education. She was part of the women’s tennis team for two years and worked on campus with Academic Support Services as both a tutor and academic coach for the past three years. Off campus, she spent most of her time providing respite care and working in different schools. She plans to pursue a special-education teaching position and work toward becoming a special-education director. Her advisor is Tynisha Meidl.

Emily BretlDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Theology & Religious Studies Award

Emily is a psychology and theology and religious studies double-major from Sturgeon Bay, Wis. She was an active member of the TRIPS program, participating in three service-learning trips, and served as a teaching assistant for the psychology department. During her junior year, Emily was introduced to Raquel Cowell’s developmental decision-making lab and has been active developing a new study. As an avid social-justice advocate, Emily loves her job interacting with the community and residents at the NEW Community Shelter. Emily’s passion for social justice caused her to apply to master’s of social work programs with an emphasis in clinical work. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall. Her advisor is John Dose.

Madeline BrosteauDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Madeline is an elementary education major with an emphasis in language arts. Madeline is from De Pere and did not travel far for college, but she has immersed herself in life on campus. Throughout her years at SNC, she has been a dedicated member of CCHams and served as an independent council member for the group. For three years, Madeline enjoyed working on campus as an academic affairs student assistant. She spent many hours volunteering at Freedom House, working in childcare and completing various tasks for families in need. Madeline student-taught at Wrightstown Elementary School. She has a passion for teaching and is excited to begin her career as a full-service teacher in the fall. Her advisor is Tynisha Meidl.

Hailey BussDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Hailey is an art-education major from Appleton, Wis. She student-taught at Ashwaubenon High School. Hailey’s accomplishments at SNC include being a resident in the SNC Student Studio, participating in the SNC Collaborative Grant, and serving on various committees such as the Title IX Working Group and the academic honor code board. Hailey also has shown work in the Bush Art Center Permanent Collection Gallery and won first place and an honorable mention in the St. Norbert College Juried Student Art Show. Upon graduation, Hailey plans to become an art teacher in northeast Wisconsin. Her advisors are Katie Ries and Reid Riggle.

Kaitlyn CampshureDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kaitlyn is an elementary education major with minors in broadfield social studies and language arts. Kaitlyn’s academic accomplishments are many. Notable among them are her recognition on the dean’s list for seven out of her eight semesters and her successful student-teaching experiences within the area.Though she has consistently tended to her academics, Kaitlyn also has prioritized non-academic activities, including serving as a participant with the TRIPS service program since her freshman year, becoming a recognized Global Scholar of Wisconsin, and actively working with the at-risk youth of Green Bay through her after-school-care employment. Her advisor is Erica Southworth.


Student Biographies

Ariana CiliaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Ariana is graduating as an elementary education major with a minor in language arts. Her student-teaching experience reinforced her passion for the classroom. While focusing on her studies, Ariana also prioritized non-academic endeavors. She was a four-year member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, where she held vice-president positions in member recruitment and philanthropy service, having gained valuable leadership experience along the way. While De Pere served as Ariana’s home away from home over the past four years, she is on the search for an elementary teaching position in her hometown of Mount Prospect, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.

Joseph CiriacksDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Joseph is graduating with a major in accounting. He recently accepted a job offer from SVA Certified Public Accountants as a staff accountant. Joseph’s accomplishments at SNC are many. Notable among them are being on the dean’s list every semester thus far, as well as his internship with KS Energy Services last summer. Though he has consistently tended to his academics, Joseph also has prioritized non-academic activities, including competing on the St. Norbert men’s basketball team and winning conference championships his freshman, junior and senior seasons, as well as playing in the NCAA tournament his senior season.

Alexandria ClarkDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Alexandria (“Ali”) is a sociology major with a human services concentration from Oconto Falls, Wis. She is a two-year member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her passion for helping others, specifically the older population, inspired her to begin an internship at the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County. Ali worked with the ADRC to research programming opportunities for young adults with disabilities and foster community collaboration to create more inclusive program and activity options for young adults in Brown County. Her experiences with the ADRC fostered her interest in macro-level social work. She

plans to pursue a master’s degree in order to practice medical social work. Her advisor is Kim Kaczmarowski.

Aidan CollinsDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Rev. Joseph E. Dorff Award in Psychology

Aidan is graduating with majors in psychology and Spanish and a minor in history. He worked as both a research and teaching assistant in the psychology department and was president of the SNC Psychology Club. Under the supervision of Michelle Schoenleber, Aidan conducted an independent research study on the effects of rumination and distraction in emotional dysregulation, for which he received a Psi Chi Regional Research award from the Midwestern Psychological Association. A member of the Honors Program, he also has served as an academic tutor for the past three years. Aidan studied abroad in Madrid in spring 2019. He will attend graduate school in psychology this fall. His advisor is Michael Rosewall.

Rhiannon CooperThe F. William Bohné Memorial Art Award

Rhiannon is a studio art major. During her time at St. Norbert, she worked in the art galleries, as a ceramics assistant and as social media manager for the art discipline. She has exhibited her work at ArtStreet (2014-2019) and in the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition (2016, 2019) and won an honorable mention award (2019). After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a studio artist. She was awarded a Summer Collaborative Research Grant (2019), through which she created a body of work based on old family photos. She added to this series for her senior capstone.

Paige CostaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Paige is graduating with a history major, emphasis in European history. Some of her accomplishments include being president of her sorority, Kappa Beta Gamma, as well as being vice president of public relations on the SNC Panhellenic Council. She also instructed a workout


Student Biographies

class, Sculpt, on campus. Paige also studied abroad in Rome her junior year and was able to study Roman history at its source.

John DicksThe Rev. Anselm M. Keefe Founder’s Award in Drama

John is graduating with majors in theatre and communication, with a media emphasis, along with a minor in music. He has been extremely involved on campus and has been in the Knights on Broadway for two years. John is a member of Phi Delta Theta and the Ugly for No Nonsense. He participated in the Gap Experience his freshman year, taking part in experiential service learning and helping him become a stronger leader while learning about social justice. He has been part of Knight Theatre since his sophomore year and served as president of the organization. John also has been part of the Abbey Singers for the past three years. His advisor is April Beiswenger.

Alexis DobbersteinDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Robert Kramer Award for Excellence in Accounting

Alexis is a double-major in accounting and business administration, with a finance concentration, and is earning her Spanish language certificate. Throughout her time on campus, Alexis was actively involved in Accounting Club and also served as co-president for the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honorary. Most recently she was employed as a certified business tutor and accounting department teaching assistant, and she also participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) program. Additionally, Alexis was able to travel as a part of a St. Norbert Global Seminar and studied economics in the European Union last summer. Her advisor is Benjamin Huegel.

Bethany DollDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Bethany is a theology and religious studies major with minors in philosophy and theatre. She works part time as a faith formation coordinator at St. Mary and St. John

the Baptist Parishes in Menasha. After graduation, she will work there fulltime. Bethany has greatly enjoyed her studies and involvement in the theatre program, but also has put a great emphasis on extracurricular programs and activities. She is a founding member of the Catholic Women’s group, Chiara, and has been a leader and participant of the Kairos retreat for the past four years. She has been a vibrant part of parish life on campus as a member of the parish, part of the parish council and a catechist for Generations of Faith. Her advisor is Tom Bolin.

Taylor DonovalThe Rev. Anselm M. Keefe Founder’s Award in Drama

Taylor is a theatre studies major from Chicago. Her advisor is Stephen Rupsch.

Aubrie FaustDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Basil R. Reuss Prize in History

Aubrie is graduating with a major in history education. Over the last four years, SNC has become home to Aubrie. She has served as a TRIPS leader and as a research assistant for Erica Southworth, and she has worked with the Emmaus Center, Ed’s Cafe, the Sturzl Center and the Teacher Education Office. She also volunteered at Syble Hopp School and sang at countless Knight Masses. Her favorite experience throughout college was studying abroad in spring 2019 at Maynooth University in Ireland. Aubrie is applying for high-school and middle-school social studies teaching positions for next year.

Alyse FranckDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Alyse is an accounting major and economics minor. She accepted a job offer from Baker Tilly as a staff accountant. She was involved in Accounting Club and Women in Business during her time at St. Norbert. She has held accounting internships at U.S. Venture, CliftonLarsonAllen and KerberRose. Her advisor is Jason Haen.


Student Biographies

Carley FrauenhoffDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Malcolm E. Schuldes Award for Excellence in Business Administration

Carley is graduating with majors in business administration-marketing and economics. She was a four-year starter of the St. Norbert softball team, which won the regular season and tournament championship her freshman year. She also was on the women’s basketball team for two years. Carley was a lifeguard at the Mulva pool and an economics teaching assistant. During the summers, she was a camp counselor at Imago Dei Village. Her love for sports led her to conduct research investigating the impact of diversity on NBA teams with John-Gabriel Licht. She plans to either attend grad school in the fall to obtain an MBA or an MS in sports management or go directly into the sports industry after graduation. Her advisor is John-Gabriel Licht.

Joelynn FrischDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Joelynn is a history and secondary education major from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. She is co-president of Aspiring Educators on campus. In her four years she volunteered or worked in various after-school programs in the Green Bay area. She also participated in two TRIPS programs where she worked in schools in Milwaukee and Chicago. After graduation, she plans to get a job in a middle or high school teaching social studies. Her advisors are Erica Southworth and Abby Trollinger.

Graeme GallagherDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Graeme is a communications and media studies major from Sun Prairie, Wis. He has been with the St. Norbert Times for four years and has been the co-editor-in-chief for the past two years. While on campus, Graeme has been involved with residential life as a resident assistant for the past three years and also has served on multiple housing committees. This past year he has served as a senior representative on SGA and has been interning with the Green Bay Blizzard Indoor Football team.

Graeme will be taking photos/videos for a mission trip over the summer and is moving to Milwaukee for the next step. His advisor is Mark Glantz.

Naomy Garcia OrtizDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Naomy is a sociology major with a human services concentration. She was a member of Latinx Student Union for four years, a three-year member of BSU, a summer mentor for the STAR program and a four-year committee member for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, serving as this year’s co-chair. She has participated in TRIPS on a domestic service trip to Little Rock, Ark., and worked with Habitat for Humanity building and renovating homes. Naomy is a sociology TA and works for the Howe Elementary after-school program, which provides at-risk students with academic and extracurricular support. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration. Her advisor is Cheryl Carpenter-Siegel.

Lauren GrayDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Lauren is a biology and Spanish double-major from Naperville, Ill. Her advisor is Katie St. Henry.

Megan GundrumDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Megan is graduating with an English education major with certification in early adolescence/adolescence. She has had experience volunteering and working in the YMCA 21C after-school program in Green Bay. She also has had many experiences in different middle schools and high schools throughout her time in the St. Norbert College education program. Megan studied abroad in Rome at John Cabot University during the spring 2019 semester. Megan is a part of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honors Society, and also was a part of St. Norbert’s Study Abroad Leadership Team, working with others to promote and prepare students for studying abroad. Her advisors are Reid Riggle and Deirdre Egan-Ryan.


Student Biographies

Kelly HaenDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kelly is a biology major with a biomedical sciences concentration and a Spanish language certificate. She traveled the globe through TRIPS in the United States; an Honors Program study-abroad course to Spain; and a semester abroad to Cape Town University, South Africa. Kelly happily served the biology department as a tutor, lab teaching assistant and academic peer mentor. She explored the environmental sciences in her research on algal blooms, which culminated in presentations at local and national conferences and her senior thesis. Her advisors are Carrie Kissman and Katie Dunn.

Miranda HansenDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Miranda is graduating with a B.A. in early childhood education. She was a four-year member of the St. Norbert women’s soccer team that won conference in 2017. She was awarded Academic All-Conference every year. During her junior year, Miranda studied abroad at University College Cork in Ireland. While abroad, she visited Italy, Austria and the Netherlands. Miranda spent a significant amount of her time at St. Norbert in the Children’s Development Center as a student worker with the 2- to 5-year-olds. Miranda knew from an early age that she wanted to work with young children. She plans on getting a job in the area teaching kindergarten. Her advisor is Debra Faase.

Bailey HansonThe David L. Klopotek Award in Excellence in Chemistry

Bailey is a senior chemistry major with a minor in mathematics from Green Bay, Wis. She has served the chemistry discipline as a teaching assistant and as an academic peer mentor. She has completed multiple rounds of guided research, the most exciting of which allowed her and a peer collaborator, Sarah Rolfs, to travel to Sheboygan and present their findings to a board of executives at Rockline Industries. Bailey also works part time at a local dance studio and is an active member of both Order of Omega and Delta Phi Epsilon, where she has held numerous leadership positions. After graduation, she will attend Loyola University Chicago to earn her Ph.D. in chemistry. Her advisor is Jon Russel.

Anna HartjesDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Anna is a music performance major from Combined Locks, Wis. She specializes in flute performance but has played many other woodwinds in ensemble settings. She has been heavily involved in the music programs on campus, participating multiple years in the wind ensemble, concert band and flute choir. She presented her junior recital in the spring of 2019. Her advisor is Eric High.

Alli HenkelmanDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Alli is a sociology major with a communication minor. As a transfer student, Alli received her associate degree from UW-Stevens Point at Wausau before coming to St. Norbert to earn her bachelor’s degree. At SNC, she has served as a tutor for sociology, theology and communication, and also is an academic coach. This past year, she volunteered at Our Brothers’ Place, a men’s shelter in Philadelphia through the SNC TRIPS program. This experience confirmed her career goal to work with and help those who are marginalized in society. Alli aspires to be a re-entry counselor and work for the Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI. From Merrill, Wis., she prides herself in her small-town values. Her advisor is Cheryl Carpenter-Siegel.

Leah HennickMember of the Honors Program


Leah is a history and English double-major with a minor in economics. She is a senior consultant at the Writing Center and a teaching assistant for the history department. She has enjoyed working as an intern at the Neville Museum in Green Bay, volunteering with Dance Marathon, participating in mock trial, and working with the St. Norbert Times and Graphos Magazine. Leah is extremely grateful to all the instructors and mentors she has had over the past four years and would like to thank Edward Risden, Charley Jacobs, Marc Hammer, Abby Trollinger, Carrie Larson and Michael Lovano for their support and guidance. She is especially grateful to her advisors Victoria Tashjian and Robert Kramer.


Student Biographies

Alyssa HigleyDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Alyssa is graduating with majors in psychology and communications. She has accepted a position at FIS, as a client relationship manager, which she will begin in June. While at SNC, she devoted her time to many different activities. Alyssa performed with the Knights on Broadway for three years and served on the executive board of the Zambia Project. She also worked as a tour guide in admissions and a student assistant in the library. Her advisors are Stuart Korshavn and Anna Herrman.

Amy HolzerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Biology Award

Amy is a biology major with a biomedical sciences concentration. Since 2017, she has conducted research with Anindo Choudhury, studying freshwater fish parasites of the Philippines. She has thoroughly enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant for a variety of courses in the biology discipline, and she always is excited to share her love for SNC with prospective students and their families as a tour guide. She cherishes the friends and memories she has made through the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson Elementary, the Best Buddies organization, Zambia Project and the TRIPS Program. Amy also was a captain of the women’s golf team, earning all-conference honors twice. She will attend medical school next fall. Her advisor is David Bailey.

Michael HoulihanDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The William J. O’Callaghan Award in the Arts & Sciences

Michael is a political science and English major from Chicago. He will attend law school in the fall. Michael has had many accomplishments at SNC. Most notably, he served as an editor for Graphos Literary Magazine, as vice president of French Club, as a senior representative in the Student Government Association and as the artistic

director for Knight Theatre’s 2020 musical. His advisors are Wendy Scattergood and AnaMaria Seglie Clawson.

Sara ImbrieDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Sara is an elementary education major and a French education minor. She is a member of two honor societies: Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Sigma Iota. In fall 2020, she student-taught abroad in Tarascon, France. Sara hopes to continue her love of French and teach it at the middle-school level. On campus, Sara works at the Campus Center in addition to being an academic tutor. Her advisor is Reid Riggle.

Elisha JaekeDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Spanish Award

Elisha is graduating with majors in biology and Spanish. She is the president of the Student Government Association and is the student founder of Proud to Be First, a first-generation college student initiative. Throughout her time at SNC, she has worked for the biology department, the Honors Program and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Following her semester in Quito, Ecuador, Elisha dove into public health research, conducting a qualitative food insecurity study in an urban Milwaukee free clinic, and now she quantitatively examines gendered arrivals to weight perception with Jamie Lynch. This summer, she will move to Los Angeles for a position with Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth before pursuing a career in public health, medicine and advocacy.

Jordan JagodinskyDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Jordan is an accounting major from Manitowoc, Wis. He served the accounting discipline as an accounting teaching assistant. As a member of the accounting club on campus, Jordan advanced his education through networking and learning from area professionals about the accounting profession. He was a two-year member of the St. Norbert football team that won a conference


Student Biographies

championship in 2018. Jordan accepted a public accounting job at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, at the Madison office and plans to work toward his CPA certification. His advisor is Benjamin Huegel.

Abigail JantoDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Abby is a biology major with an organismal concentration and a math minor from West Bend, Wis. She has accepted a position in the genetics and molecular biology Ph.D. program at Emory University in Atlanta, where she hopes to research epigenetic and chromatin dynamics in development and disease. Her favorite experiences during her four years at SNC include traveling to the Philippines for the Food Ethics Global Seminar, spending a summer in Boston to do gene-editing research in the Cell & Molecular Visualization REU program at Brandeis University, serving as vice president to Beta Beta Beta (biology club), and being part of the SNC cross country and track teams for several years. Her advisor is Deborah Anderson.

Anna JohnsonDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Robert Kramer Award for Excellence in Accounting

Anna is an accounting major from De Pere, Wis. She studied abroad during spring semester 2018 in Prague and has been a corporate tax intern at Kimberly-Clark Corp. since summer 2018. Anna also was a member of both Women in Business and Accounting Club at St. Norbert College. She also was a volunteer income- tax assistant as well as an accounting teaching assistant. Post graduation, Anna will move to Milwaukee to work for Ernst & Young as part of the tax staff. Her advisor is Amy Vandenberg.

Tatiana JohnsonDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Tatiana is a political science and history double-major from Ashwaubenon, Wis. She is a member of the St. Norbert College cross country team and also indoor

and outdoor track and field teams, which have won a total of 10 conference championships the last four years. She is a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science honor society and also is a member of the organization Love Your Melon, which raises funds to help fight pediatric cancer. Tatiana is a member of the Billboard-Charting singing group Tre Principesse, which performs at festivals and concerts across the U.S. and internationally. After taking a gap year, her plan is to attend law school. Her advisor is Wendy Scattergood.

Jarret JordanDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Jarret is an economics major from Chippewa Falls, Wis. His advisor is Paul Johnson.

Jennifer KempenDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Jennifer is a history education major with a certification in broadfield social studies from Kimberly, Wis. Jennifer’s accomplishments at SNC are numerous. Notable is her research with Erica Southworth that allowed her to present at the National Conference for Social Studies in San Francisco. Her work with this project was published in the journal Teaching Social Studies. Jennifer also served in both the history and education disciplines as a teaching assistant and an education office assistant. Jennifer also was a four-year member of the Aspiring Educators group on campus, where she also served as the PR and marketing manager. Her advisors are Erica Southworth and Abby Trollinger.

Breanna KillianDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Breanna is a biology major with a biomedical concentration. Her interest in animal science has led her to conduct independent research with Adam Brandt; be active in the Pre-Vet Club, including organizing activities like the Dog-Jog fundraiser for local animal shelters; and to gain work experience at local veterinary clinics. She plans to attend veterinary school following graduation. Her advisor is David Hunnicutt.


Student Biographies

Janelle KnickDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Communication Award

Janelle is an English and communication double-major from Kaukauna, Wis. While at St. Norbert, Janelle remained involved on campus through her participation in plenty of organizations. She is the student editor for the Honors Pulse; a writer for the St. Norbert Times; the president of National Residence Hall Honorary; and a co-president for Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. Outside of her major, Janelle stayed involved with the theatre program on campus along with holding the position of co-president of Knightingales and secretary of Knight Theatre. Her advisor is Laurie MacDiarmid.

Joshua KoleskeDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Josh is graduating with honors with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. He played for the St. Norbert men’s soccer team for four years and won two conference championships and two conference tournament titles. As a soccer player, he was the three-time recipient of the MWC Elite 20 Award and selected as a CoSIDA Academic All-American the past two seasons. He also has won other soccer honors including the 2019 Wisconsin defensive player of the year. Josh also served as the vice president for Pre-Health Club and a peer buddy for Best Buddies. Josh will attend medical school in the fall and has spent time as both a volunteer at St. Vincent Hospital and a nursing assistant at Bellin Health. His advisor is Katie Dunn.

Ariana KonwentDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Ariana graduated in December 2019, majoring in international business and language area studies. She spent her last semester in Valencia, Spain, and got to explore several countries in Europe during her time there. Being a community and resident assistant was the most fulfilling experience at St. Norbert College and she will greatly miss the friends made through those positions. Ariana worked hard as a member of the Honors Program and National Residence Hall Honorary. She works at CNH Industrial.

Rebecca KramerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Rebecca is a science education major from Appleton, Wis. She has been part of the on-campus women’s social group No Nonsense since her freshman year and is most proud of her involvement in creating music and choreography for the annual Spring Fling Airbands event. A member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society, Rebecca has had a strong love of learning since an early age. She would like to thank her dad, mom and grandparents for their instrumental role in her success. Her advisor is Chris Bradford.

Alexandra KruegerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Nathaniel Lebish Award for Excellence in International Business & Language Area Studies

Alex is graduating with majors in international business and Spanish. After graduation, Alex will work at West Bend Mutual Insurance as an associate auto claims representative in the corporate office, where she had served as an intern for the past three years. Alex’s accomplishments at SNC are notable. For the last two years, she has served as a co-president of Discoveries International and the student co-chair for the St. Joseph Parish Council. Also in 2017, Alex was selected to pitch her business idea at the Fox Connection Pitch Contest, a northeast Wisconsin regional event. Her advisor is Joy Pahl.

Caitlin KruegerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Caitlin is a chemistry major from Green Bay, Wis. She transferred to St. Norbert her sophomore year from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Caitlin has conducted undergraduate biochemistry research with Cyndi Ochsner to determine how molecules synthesized in Jon Russel’s lab inhibit the human dopamine transporter. She also has served as a biochemistry teaching assistant. Her advisor is Cyndi Ochsner.


Student Biographies

Zachary KrysiakDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Zach is graduating from the honors program with a degree in psychology. Over the last three years, he has held an internship in the advancement services department at SNC where he works in data management. He has been a part of many clubs on campus including Knights for Life and Frassati, where he held positions on the executive board as vice president and treasurer, respectively. In addition, Zach played hockey for the St. Norbert club team, including during its inaugural year in the ACHA. His advisor is Paul Ngo.

Kathryn KugelDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kathryn is a business administration major with a marketing concentration and a minor in psychology; she also earned a Spanish language certificate. While a student, she served the college community in many ways, including as a Student Government Association class representative, member of Omicron Delta Kappa, tutor, academic coach, resident assistant, vice president of judicial on the Panhellenic Council and president of the Beta Chi Chapter of Delta Phi Epsilon. Her dedicated involvement in the community and strong will to achieve led her to be named a William E. Dargan Fellow. Kathryn also enjoyed her internships with U.S. Venture and STEAM Engine GB. She now works as a marketing coordinator at U.S. Lubricants. Her advisor is Joy Pahl.

Abigail KurthDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Abby is graduating this spring with majors in theology and religious studies (youth ministry emphasis) and business administration. She recently accepted a job as coordinator of religious education at Quad Parishes in Green Bay. Abby has loved her time spent leading Bible study and coordinating music for Knight Mass. She was president of Wishmakers on Campus and a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Theta Alpha Kappa. She learned countless lessons at Syble Hopp School, where she has volunteered the last three years after being partnered through Michels Service Learning. Her advisor is Howard Ebert.

Meghan LambThe Daniel F. Dickhut Art Award

Meghan is a graphic design major with a minor in business administration. During her time at St. Norbert, she has worked as student leader of the Bush Art Center’s Student Clubhouse Gallery and as a graphic designer for the SNC Box Office, and she interned as a graphic designer at the Greater Green Bay Chamber. She is a three-year member of the social group CCHams and is the treasurer for Independent Council. Meghan also was a cheerleader at St. Norbert for two years, cheering at both Green Knight and Green Bay Packers home games. Her advisor is Debbie Kupinsky.

Madeline LeBrunThe F. William Bohne Memorial Art Award

Maddie is a studio art major with a biology minor from Oregon, Wis. Maddie proudly works as the art department’s poster designer, creating eye-catching promotional materials for on-campus art events. She almost always can be found at her workspace in the Student Studio, where she lovingly spends her mornings, afternoons and late nights working through her endless list of projects. Maddie also competed with the St. Norbert track and field team for four years. Over the course of her career she was part of seven women’s team conference titles and six school records, in addition to being a seven-time national qualifier and a two-time All-American. She plans to pursue graphic design and illustration. Her advisor is Debbie Kupinsky.

Larissa LoftusDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Larissa is an elementary education major with a certification in early-middle childhood education. She is from Crystal Lake, Ill. On campus, she has been involved with SNC Dance Marathon on the entertainment committee. She also was a Green Knight mentor in the summer and fall for three years. Larissa volunteered with the TRIPS program every year of her time at SNC. She served in Milwaukee; Little Rock, Ark.; and Memphis. She has worked at SNC for the Michels and RTC Service Program in the Sturzl Center and at the SNC Children’s Center.


Student Biographies

Charles Luoma-MannistoDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Charles is an instrumental and general music education major from Iron Mountain, Mich. Charles was actively involved in student organizations during his time at SNC. He was a four-year member and recent president of the SNC Ballroom Dance Club, helped found the SNC Klezmer Ensemble and was a two-year member of the St. Norbert chapter of NAfME. Charles also was actively involved musically on campus. He was a seven-semester member of the SNC Jazz Ensemble and the SNC Wind Ensemble, performed a junior trumpet recital and was a member of the Brass Ensemble. Charles plans to find a music teaching job for the fall. His advisor is Eric High.

Jack MaastrichtDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award


Jack is an economics and mathematics major from Sun Prairie, Wis. He was a four-year member of the St. Norbert baseball team and two-year captain. He also was an analyst for two years in the Center for Business & Economic Analysis.

Hannah MaderDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Hannah is a biology major with a biomedical sciences concentration from Park Falls, Wis. Hannah was involved with my things in her time at St. Norbert. She was a four-year member of the women’s track and field team that won four indoor championship titles and three outdoor championship titles (the fourth unfinished due to COVID-19). She was a four-year participant and member of Dance Marathon, where she was a co-chair for the past two years. She served the admission office staff as a campus tour guide and is a graduate of the Honors Program. Hannah also spent the last two years working as a CNA at St. Vincent Hospital in preparation to attend a physician assistant program after graduation.

Dominic MainoDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The German Award

Dominic is graduating as a sociology major with a minor in German. As a De Pere native, he prides himself for working at two local businesses: at Seroogy’s Chocolates as a retail supervisor and at the Union Hotel as a bartender. When on campus, Dominic serves as a teaching assistant for the sociology department, a role he has filled since his freshman year. He is a member of the Phi Sigma Iota foreign language society; studied abroad during the fall of his junior year in Prague; and is a Fulbright semi-finalist, hoping to return to the Czech Republic to teach and foster an environment of bicultural understanding. His advisor is Wendy Scattergood.

Amanda ManningDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Amanda is an elementary education major, with an early childhood minor, from Oconto Falls, Wis. She is a recipient of the Trustee Distinguished Scholarship and a member of the Honors Program. She was involved in the SNC Ballroom Club for four years and performed two showcases during that time. Amanda spent much of her time at St. Norbert College working with children at the Children’s Center, volunteering at different schools around the area, and volunteering at the Golden House. Amanda is busy applying and working toward her lifelong dream of being a teacher in her own classroom. Her advisor is Debra Faase.

Austin MarcksDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Austin is a business administration major from Black Creek, Wis. He began his college career during the fall of 2017 as a part of the baseball program at SNC. Due to an arm injury, he was no longer able to continue playing, but continued to dedicate himself to academics at St. Norbert. During the last three years, he has spent his time at SNC developing friendships that will last a lifetime and growing into his true self. Austin plans to apply his business knowledge to the workforce, continuing to work for Chipotle Mexican Grill. His advisor is Marc von der Ruhr.


Student Biographies

John MichalakDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

John is graduating with majors in economics and business administration. He has been a member of ROTC over the past four years as well as the Wisconsin Army National Guard with Charlie Battery 1-120th Field Artillery in Oconomowoc, Wis. In October, John will go to Fort Sill, Okla., for training as a field artillery officer in the Army. Outside of ROTC, John also served as president of Knights for Life and as an academic tutor for business statistics. He has conducted two independent studies in sports economics and hopes to take his education into either economic research or law school to pursue a career in the professional sports industry. His advisor is John-Gabriel Licht.

Madeline MillerThe Sister Sally Ann Brickner Award for Excellence in Education

Maddy is an elementary education major, with a minor in Spanish from Hartland, Wis. She played on the St. Norbert volleyball team through her junior year and coached a high school team her senior year. Throughout her time at SNC, she worked at Howe Elementary’s after-school program for at-risk youth. She ran a girls group and a sports club while serving as the lead teacher for second grade, and fourth and fifth grades in her time there. Maddy also gained experience teaching religious education to second-graders and ninth-graders in the community. These experiences and many more have prepared Maddy for her job at the Milwaukee Academy of Science as a sixth-grade language arts teacher next year.

Emily MintonMember of the Honors Program

The Thomas Phelan & James Regan Award for Excellence in Philosophy

Emily is a philosophy major and, unofficially, an art history minor. Last summer she was a research fellow with the SURF program and researched a topic

intersecting the fields of aesthetics and ethics. She served as the philosophy student representative for the Killeen Chair of Theology & Philosophy committee and was the philosophy TA this past year. Additionally, she helped to organize the Honors Program’s “Museum as Classroom” tutorial last year in Chicago and participated in SNC Dance Marathon.

Zachary MoedeDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Theology & Religious Studies Award

Zach is graduating with majors in theology and psychology. He came into St. Norbert with little direction in life but found his path through the challenges posed to him from his Theology 101 mentor Reg Kim. In addition to his theological endeavors, Zach has served as a teaching assistant for the psychology department for two years. He has been a member of BIG for three years and has made lifelong memories with his fellow brothers. He plans to attend St. Norbert for a master’s degree in theology and then pursue a Ph.D. His direct advisor is Paul Ngo, but would not have made it to this point without guidance from Daniel Collette, Tom Bolin, Craig Ford, Raquel Cowell and so many others he has met while at St. Norbert.

Benjamin MoreauDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Ben is a biology major, with a biomedical sciences concentration, from Iron Mountain, Mich. He was an active member in the St. Norbert College Parish, serving in the parish pastoral council, volunteering at Mass, and working as a catechist for Generations of Faith. Ben also was a resident assistant for two years in Mary Minahan McCormick Hall. As a freshman and sophomore, Ben served on SNC’s ALIVE team, which helped bring first-year students together to build a sense of community in the dorms. After graduation, Ben will attend Marquette University to get his master’s degree in physician assistant studies.


Student Biographies

Sarah NeumannThe Cassandra J. Voss Award in Women’s & Gender Studies

Sarah is a biology major with a biomedical sciences concentration and has a women’s and gender studies minor. She is originally from Franklin, Wis. She was a four-year member of the St. Norbert women’s basketball team and won one conference championship. She also worked on campus as a biology teaching assistant as well as a program assistant for the Cassandra Voss Center. In the summer, Sarah plans on beginning a 15-month nursing program at Bellin College in order to receive her BSN. Sarah says she is excited to apply her knowledge gained through biology and women’s and gender studies courses to provide the best care for others in her health care position. She was first introduced to women’s and gender studies by her intro professor, Karlyn Crowley. Her advisor is Ryan King.

Mona NolteDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Mona is a biology major, with a biomedical sciences concentration and a minor in German, from Appleton, Wis. During her time on campus, Mona has served the biology disciplines as a teaching assistant, academic peer mentor and academic assistant. Her interest in the medical field led her to participate in two medical-related service trips through the TRIPS program as well as participate in on-campus research involving cancer cells. Mona is a member of the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honors Society and Phi Kappa Phi National Academic Honors Society. Although Mona takes great pride in her academics, she experiences great joy in extra-curricular activities and spending time with friends. Her advisor is David Hunnicutt.

Madeline PamperinDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Rev. Robert A. Sromovsky Award for Excellence in Music

Maddie Pamperin is an instrumental and general music education major from Marion, Wis. Throughout her time at SNC, she has been involved in numerous

music ensembles on campus and various student organizations, like Pen Pals and Knight Theatre. Maddie also has held leadership positions in SNC’s chapters of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and Circle K International. She student-taught, and her dream job after graduation would be as an elementary general-music and beginning-band teacher. Maddie wants to thank all of her family, friends and teachers for their constant support of her and her music, as well as shaping her into the person she is today. Her advisor is Philip Klickman.

Brian PetersonDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Brian is completing a major in psychology and hopes to continue his education in either medical school or through a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology. Brian did not take the traditional path to St. Norbert College, rather he came to St. Norbert in his late 30s after an Army career to prepare for a second career. While in the Army, Brian served as a Medical Service Corps officer, paratrooper, calvary officer and all-source intelligence analyst in the Defense Intelligence Agency. Brian served two tours of duty in Iraq. As a student, Brian has flourished in his chosen major of psychology, while also completing prerequisite coursework for medical school while maintaining a strong GPA. His advisor is Ann Hintz.

Mallory RandallDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Mallory is a sociology major with a human services concentration from De Pere, Wis. She has been working at an internship at Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program since 2018 and plans to become a social worker, working with children, after graduation. Her advisor is Kim Kaczmarowski.

Laura RieggDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Laura is an English major with a certification in early adolescence-adolescence (secondary) education from Greenfield, Wis. Since her sophomore year, Laura has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand her education career. She received the Catherine Schmitz Jacobs Secondary Education Scholarship after her


sophomore-block field experience and founded the St. Norbert chapter of the Center for Urban Teaching, a nonprofit in Milwaukee. When she is not in the classroom, Laura works in the teacher-education office, where she has written content and created videos for the teacher-education website since her freshman year. Her advisors are Laurie MacDiarmid and Susan Landt.

Hailey RuplingerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Hailey is a natural science major with a biology minor. From Kimberly, Wis., she was on the St. Norbert track and field team for four years and the cross country team for two years. She has contributed to nine conference championships and was All-Academic on the track team. She is a member of American Medical Student Association, Eco Club and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. She has worked closely with the Salvation Army as a health services manager and first responder. She plans to go to medical school after taking one year to work as a medical scribe and emergency medical technician. Her advisor is Russ Feirer.

Natasha RynishThe Elizabeth G. King Award for Excellence in International Studies

Natasha is a graduating third-year student who is double-majoring in Spanish and international studies with a concentration in Latin America. She studied abroad for a semester at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. She spent most of her time away from campus in order to work, but she wants to recognize the docks on the Fox River as the most important place at SNC to her. Her advisor is Shalisa Collins.

Maxwell SchermacherDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Max is a biology major with a concentration in biomedical sciences and is from Plymouth, Wis. He has been on the SNC track and field team for all four years, competing in pole vault and javelin. In his junior year, he won the indoor conference meet for pole vault and set the indoor school record at 14 feet, 7 inches. After graduating, he will attend UW-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine

to earn his doctor of veterinary medicine degree and work with companion animals. His advisor is Ryan King.

Emily SchiltzDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Emily is graduating with a major in business administration-marketing concentration and a minor in communication. She is the marketing and special-event intern for the alumni and parent relations office, where she enjoys planning and promoting campus events. Emily also is a student alumni ambassador and an active member of CCHams, a women’s service group on campus. She plans to pursue a public relations or marketing-related career and attend graduate school to receive her MBA. Her advisor is Jason Haen.

Michael SchirgerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Computer Science Award

The Mathematics Award

Mike is a mathematics and computer science double-major from Grafton, Wis. He graduated in December and has begun working as a software developer at Thrivent Financial in Appleton, Wis. Although Mike’s primary concern in college was his academics, he also was a mathematics TA, student worker in the SNC IT department and a catechist at St. Norbert College Parish. His advisor is Dave Pankratz.

Rachel SchmidtThe Rev. Isadore Gosz Award in Media

Rachel is a communication and media studies major with a minor in business. She is from Whitefish Bay, Wis. While at SNC, Rachel was a member of the SNC Love Your Melon Crew that volunteered around the Green Bay area and held campus events to benefit those affected by childhood cancer. She also has been an intern at SNC in the office of communications as well as a corporate communications intern for WEC Energy Group based in Milwaukee. Rachel plans to pursue a career in social media marketing or media relations in the Milwaukee area after graduation. Her advisor is “Coach” Mark Glantz.

Student Biographies


Hanna SippelDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Hanna is a biology major, with a Spanish minor, from St. Cloud, Wis. Although most of her time was spent studying for her classes and working her various on-campus jobs (general biology TA and peer mentor, Bemis student supervisor, etc.), she greatly enjoyed her other pursuits such as research with David Bailey and David Hunnicutt; volunteering through Circle K, Compassus and COMSA; and supporting her friends at all their club events. Since graduating in December, she has been accumulating experience hours in the medical field working as a CNA with the intent to apply to physician assistant school. Her advisor is David Bailey.

Kayley SjoholmDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kayley is graduating with a major in mathematics and a minor in economics. Following her graduation in December, she enrolled in the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) program. She is in Level 1 of the three-level program with hopes to finish by 2022. Once she completes the program, she will be a member of the Professional Golfers Association. While completing the PGM program online, Kayley also works as an assistant golf professional full time at the Green Bay Country Club. During her three and a half years at St. Norbert, she competed on the women’s golf team and loved every moment of it! Her advisor is Terry Jo Leiterman.

Emilie SmithDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Emilie graduated this past December with a major in English and a minor in Spanish. She recently accepted an offer of admission with a scholarship to the University of Marquette Law School. She is working for the Department of Children and Families in Madison, Wis., until the start of the 2020-21 academic year. While at SNC, she worked as a student publications associate for the office of communications and at Ed’s Cafe. Aside from work and academics, Emilie also was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Order of Omega

Honor Society and Kappa Beta Gamma International Sorority, of which she served as president. Her advisor is John Pennington.

Ellen SochaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Environmental Science Award

Ellen is graduating with majors in biology and environmental science and a minor in chemistry. She will be continuing her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the freshwater and marine sciences master’s program, where she hopes to conduct research in winter limnology. She’s been involved in some cool and fulfilling opportunities while at SNC; her favorites include conducting limnological research near the Boundary Waters, serving as the Clean Energy Fellow for the Wisconsin Conservation Voters, and increasing student voter registration and participation through her job at the Norman Miller Center. Her advisor is Ryan King.

Samuel StaehlingDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Samuel is a biology major, with a focus on pre-medicine, from Plymouth, Wis. He was a four-year member of the St. Norbert football team. He was a three-time Academic All-American in football, making him the only student-athlete in St. Norbert history to win the award three times in the same sport. He also is the school record holder for receiving touchdowns in a season (16) and receiving touchdowns in a career (42). Samuel also was busy in the classroom, as he worked as a biology teaching assistant and statistics tutor during his time at St. Norbert. He plans to attend medical school following graduation. His advisor is David Hunnicutt.

Ashley StreeterDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Ashley is graduating with a degree in English education. Throughout the three years she spent at St. Norbert, she worked hard to balance a full academic schedule

Student Biographies


Student Biographies

with an active presence on campus. Before graduating, she spent three semesters with the SNC Times, four as a student mentor through Pen Pals, six as a lead and student supervisor at Phil’s, six as a student lead at Ruth’s Marketplace, six as a minister of the word for St. Joe’s Parish, two as an office assistant and two as a research assistant on Erica Southworth’s education research team. Her advisors are Erica Southworth, Laurie MacDiarmid and Stacey Wanta.

Karen Suárez JiménezDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Spanish Award

Karen is a senior majoring in Spanish, with an English minor, and a certificate in pre-law studies. During her time here at SNC, Karen has been heavily involved with Multicultural Student Services and STAR. She always is looking for ways to celebrate diversity on campus and is excited about what the future holds for all of these programs. Karen is interning with Corneille Law Group and learning about medical malpractice and insurance law. Her passion lies in indigenous rights and international law. She plans to attend law school this fall and pursue a career in human rights. She is thankful for the guidance of her advisors, Luis Navarro-Ayala and Charley Jacobs.

Nicholas SurpriseDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Nicholas is a biology major, with a biomedical sciences concentration, from Wautoma, Wis. He recently accepted a job offer as a cell manufacturing specialist within the Program for Advanced Cell Therapy (PACT) at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. During his time at St. Norbert College, Nicholas was heavily involved in both the biology and vocal music departments. Nicholas was a teaching assistant for microbiology and conducted stem-cell transplant research in planarians. He was a devoted member of the Knights on Broadway and the Abbey Singers. Nicholas also was involved in Knight Theatre, performing alongside his peers in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Addams Family,” as well as serving on its executive board. His advisor is Ryan King.

Heidi SwansonDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The Rev. Patrick N. Butler Award for Excellence in English Studies

Heidi Swanson is an English major with a minor in Spanish. She is a senior consultant at the Writing Center and the entertainment editor for the SNC Times. Choosing SNC as her college of choice was rather last- minute, but she cannot imagine what her life would be like without this amazing place. SNC has allowed her to study abroad in London, form close relationships with professors and classmates, and create friendships that will last a lifetime. Though the coronavirus has made everything so unsure, she hopes to obtain a job that allows her to think creatively. Her advisor is Edward Risden.

Olivia ThomsonDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Olivia is an English education major from De Pere and is a member of the Honors Program. Her advisors are Erica Southworth and Amy Lewis.

Aleena TjugumDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Aleena is an education major with a certification in middle childhood/early adolescence. She has a minor in mathematics. During her time at SNC, she was a part of Dance Marathon and CCHams, and she frequently volunteered at the Freedom House. She also enjoyed working at the St. Norbert College Children’s Center. She had the opportunity in her senior year to student-teach at a middle school in Green Bay, as well as abroad in New Zealand. She plans to find a teaching position in the fall. Her advisor is Susan Landt.

Elizabeth TulenkoDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Elizabeth is an accounting major with a minor in history. She has worked at the St. Norbert College Bookstore for three years and is a member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. She plans to become a licensed CPA over the summer. Her advisor is Amy Vandenberg.


Student Biographies

Kaitlyn TulenkoDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kaitlyn is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in biomedical sciences, accompanied by minors in both chemistry and philosophy. Since her junior year, she has been a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. During her time at SNC, Kaitlyn served as a teaching assistant for both the biology and chemistry disciplines. She also was an academic peer mentor for the biology discipline. With an interest in animal science, Kaitlyn has been a research assistant at SNC. Her research included isolating DNA and analyzing DNA sequences from red-shouldered hawk feathers collected in Wisconsin. She plans to attend veterinary school. Her advisor is Adam Brandt.

Madeline UhlenbrauckDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Madeline is a business administration major with a concentration in marketing and a minor in communication. She was a two-year participant on the women’s tennis team that advanced to the national tournament her freshman year. One of Madeline’s favorite activities on campus was helping pilot the Accounting 205 peer-mentoring program, serving as a peer mentor for two years. Madeline graduated in December 2019 after spending 3½ years at St. Norbert College. She works for Breakthrough in Green Bay as a client account manager. Her advisor is Lucy Arendt.

Bridget Van BeckumDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Jeanne M. Godschalx Art Award

Bridget is a fine art major with minors in history and French. In addition to working in the Bush Art Center as a gallery assistant, Bridget also is the president of French Club. She is a member of both Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Phi Sigma Iota Foreign Language Honor Society. In 2018, Bridget received the Excellence in French Award from the American Association of Teachers of French, and in November 2019, she presented at the Midwest Undergraduate Conference in the Humanities. After graduation, Bridget is interested in pursuing work in illustration or surface design. Her advisor is Katie Ries.

Nicholas Vande HeyDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Nicholas is a business administration major with a minor in economics. After accepting his dream job as a manager in his family’s business, he felt a call to the priesthood and is pursuing that call through the Diocese of Green Bay. After playing football for one year at SNC, he co-founded Frassati, a Catholic men’s group; participated in Triathlon Club; taught catechism classes; and served a handful of nonprofit organizations including Our Lady of Victory Sports Camps and Biking for Babies. One of his many highlights at SNC was studying abroad in Ireland, where he acquired a great love and appreciation for Irish culture. His advisor is Jamie O’Brien.

Matt Vanden HeuvelDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award


Matt is a business administration and economics double-major, with a management concentration, from Denmark, Wis. He was a four-year member of the St. Norbert football team, the St. Norbert Football SAAC representative and a Midwest Conference Elite 20 Award Winner for the highest GPA in the conference.

Alexis VanHielDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Lexie is graduating with a major in early adolescence-middle childhood education. She has minors in ESL and language arts. She was a four-year member of the St. Norbert women’s volleyball team who has made it to the conference tournament every year and one year won the championship round to head to the NCAA tournament. She has been first-team all conference the past three years and was named the Midwest freshman of the year. She served as a captain on the team her senior year. She was placed on the All-Region team and became the first-ever All-American in SNC volleyball history. She plans to stay in Wisconsin to continue her passion of teaching and coaching. Her advisor is Bola Delano-Oriaran.


Student Biographies

Mason VanRossumDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Mason is graduating with a major in psychology and a minor in leadership studies. He will further his education by pursuing a master’s in professional counseling at UW Oshkosh with full funding. Mason was very involved in his time at SNC. Among his favorites was his time as the first-year programs student coordinator and a first-year mentor for summer orientation and Week of Welcome. Mason is a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and is proud to be the Ugly for the Untouchables. He pushed himself academically as well, conducting research in the developmental decision-making lab with Raquel Cowell, his advisor. He would like to thank every family member, fellow student, staff and faculty member who has helped him over the years.

Bradley VarnerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Brad is an environmental science major with a minor in business administration. Since graduation, he has worked as an analytical laboratory technician at Pfanstiehl Inc., a biopharmaceutical company. On campus, he was heavily involved in housing as both a resident and community assistant. Brad also has worked extensively as a research assistant, constructing and re-establishing the Live Stream Room, which houses native fish species for hands-on learning in several courses. Outside the classroom, internships and volunteer experiences have guided him toward his final career goal of becoming an environmental lawyer. He plans to pursue a law degree at the Michigan State University College of Law in the fall. His advisor is Nelson Ham.

Kendra VerhasseltDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kendra is an elementary education major with a minor in Spanish. She student-taught with seventh- and eighth-grade students, teaching Spanish and ELA. Kendra originally is from Antigo, Wis., but graduated from Bonduel High in 2016. Throughout Kendra’s four years at St. Norbert, she has dedicated her time to school and work. Kendra was a commuter all four years at SNC and did not have much time to get involved with groups on campus. One of her greatest accomplishments during college was receiving a job offer from Lincoln Elementary School as an

after-school program teacher. Kendra worked here all four years in college and says she absolutely loved it! Building relationships with her students was most important.

Sarah VerzalDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Sarah is an international business major and Spanish minor from Bristol, Wis. She is a Spanish tutor and works for the Green Bay Packers on game days. She is a member of Phi Sigma Iota, the Honors Program and Discoveries International. She is an early graduate and studied abroad in Toledo, Spain, in 2019 through the University of Minnesota. In the fall 2021, she plans to attend law school. Her advisor is Charley Jacobs.

Sarah VorderbruggenDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Sarah is a biology major, with a biomedical sciences concentration, from West Bend, Wis. She served the biology department as a teaching assistant and an academic peer mentor for two years. Sarah has worked in Russ Feirer’s lab, conducting breast cancer research and having their work accepted to present at the American Association for Cancer Research. She is the president of St. Norbert’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association and plans to attend medical school. Her advisor is Adam Brandt.

Migena VulaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Rev. Robert J. Cornell Award for Excellence in Political Science

Migena is graduating with majors in political science and sociology. She is a community assistant for Residential Education & Housing, a community organizer for the Norman Miller Center and a teaching assistant for statistics. Passionate for law, Migena has been a part of the mock trial team for three years at the college and won a Best Attorney award at the 2020 regional competition. A member of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Migena also worked as an intern at the Brown County Courthouse. She plans to attend law school in the fall. Her advisors are Charley Jacobs and Jamie Lynch.


Victoria WatkinsDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Victoria is an elementary education major with a broadfield social studies minor. She helped create the Knight Ninjas Martial Arts Club and has served as the vice president for the past two years. Vickie student-taught and hopes to work as an elementary teacher in Illinois. Her advisor is Reid Riggle.

Ryley WatzkaDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Ryley is graduating with an accounting major. He recently accepted a job offer as an associate at Baker Tilly in Appleton. In his junior year, Ryley studied abroad at Bond University on the Gold Coast of Australia. Throughout his college career, Ryley has interned at Schreiber Foods and Baker Tilly. His advisor is Amy Vandenberg.

Erin WeilerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Erin is a middle-childhood/early adolescence education major with minors in language arts and ESL. Throughout her time at SNC, Erin participated in Dance Marathon and volunteered through service housing and through the TRIPS program. She also worked on campus in the Children’s Center and off campus at Baird Elementary after-school program. After graduation, she plans to find a job teaching in an elementary school. Her advisor is Tynisha Meidl.

Brianna WiedDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

Brianna is a biology major with a biomedical sciences concentration from Suamico, Wis. She is a peer mentor, teaching assistant and emergency-room technician. She presented on antibiotic production in soil samples at the Tiny Earth conference last December and enjoys working in the St. Norbert labs. She is graduating a year early and is a member of the Honors Program. She enjoyed studying abroad in Spain during J-term and hopes to return to the country to use her Spanish-language

certificate. She will pursue admission to a physician assistant program after taking a gap year. Her advisor is Katie Garber.

Tamika WiesnerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award Member of the Honors Program

The Elizabeth G. King Award for Excellence in International Studies

Tamika is a first-generation college student graduating in three years with a double major in political science and international studies, with an emphasis on Europe, and a minor in German. She is the treasurer of the Electric Co. social group and is a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi, the St. Norbert Honors Program and PSI, the Foreign Language National Honors Society. Tamika studied abroad in Marburg, Germany, in her sophomore year. In her senior year, she was awarded a St. Norbert collaborative grant to do political science research regarding political leanings on Wisconsin campuses. After college, she will take a gap year, then go to graduate school to continue her education, focusing on political methodology. Her advisor is Nicolas Humphrey.

Kaitlyn WittockDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Kaitlyn is an education major with a minor in language arts. She student-taught with the hope to be a first- or second-grade teacher after college. A member of Alpha Xi Delta, Kaitlyn has held many leadership positions, from chaplain to chapter life vice president. Her interests include anything dealing with the outdoors, which led her to study abroad the fall of her junior year in Ireland. Her advisor is Tynisha Meidl.

Janet WyseDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

The John E. Cramer Prize in Sociology and Anthropology

Janet is a sociology major, with a minor in business administration, from Lagos, Nigeria. She has served SNC as a statistics tutor, a sociology teaching assistant and student office assistant for Academic Support Services. She was the vice president, secretary and treasurer of

Student Biographies


the Black Student Union for three years. Beyond SNC, Janet was a student intern at the Brown County District Attorney’s Office victim/witness program and she is the founder of The No Refund Project, a charity initiative in her hometown in Nigeria. Janet recently has been accepted to seven law schools, receiving full tuition scholarships to Texas A&M Law and Suffolk University Law School in Boston. Her advisor is Cheryl Carpenter-Siegel.

Lauren YunkerDistinguished Scholastic Achievement Award

Lauren is a biology major with a business minor from Twin Lakes, Wis. While at SNC, Lauren was a member of Colleges Against Cancer that helped coordinate campus events to promote cancer awareness and raise money for cancer research. She also was an academic peer mentor and TA for general biology. Last summer, she was an undergraduate research intern at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Milwaukee, where she studied respiratory physiology. Lauren will attend graduate school at MCW starting in the fall to pursue a doctorate in physiology. Her advisor is Ryan King.

Student Biographies

About the Discipline Awards


The F. William Bohné Memorial Art Award

Bill Bohné’s legacy of commitment to St. Norbert College is legendary. By virtue of his 48 years of active service, artistic engagement and production, unwavering enthusiasm for the liberal arts, tireless advocacy for free and creative expression, and genuine care and concern for the welfare of generations of students, Professor Bohné was an exemplary member of the St. Norbert College community. An artisan woodworker with an unerring eye for beauty, he set a standard of excellence that continues to resonate within the studios and galleries of the Bush Art Center.

This award perpetuates the memory of an artist-educator who affirmed and celebrated the natural desire to create beautifully made works of art.

The Sister Sally Ann Brickner Award for Excellence in Education

Through this award, the teacher-education discipline recognizes the outstanding scholarship of an education major at St. Norbert College. Faculty members select the recipient on the basis of GPA in all courses as well as in the major field, Christian spirit and professional demeanor, participation in professional organizations, and extracurricular involvement.

Sister Sally Ann Brickner, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, is a 1967 St. Norbert College graduate. Sister Sally Ann served the college as a faculty member and administrator between 1970 and 2010, including as the director of teacher-education. As a member of the education discipline, she helped establish the program’s signature sophomore block.

Sister Sally Ann’s travels to Nicaragua in the 1970s awakened her consciousness of deep economic, political and social divisions between developing and developed countries. This experience led to a commitment to addressing inequity, including serving as director for the office of justice and peace, the forerunner of the Norman Miller Center for Peace, Justice & Public Understanding. Sister Sally Ann’s commitment to serving the needs of others and creating a better world is emblematic of the characteristics and qualities we strive to develop in our pre-service teachers.

The Rev. Patrick N. Butler Award for Excellence in English Studies

The Rev. Patrick N. Butler, O. Praem. (1901-1973), who served as dean of St. Norbert College for two years in the early 1940s, was chairman of the English department from 1930 until 1964. He continued to teach in that department until his retirement in 1971.

He was a charter member of the National Scholastic Honor Society known as Delta Epsilon Sigma and was instrumental in establishing the St. Norbert College chapter in 1940.

A first-rate scholar who was thoroughly devoted to his priestly duties, Father Butler also served for 42 years as director of the Norbertine summer camp for boys on Shawano Lake.

At his death in 1973, he left a glowing record of honest, intellectual achievement; absolute moral integrity; and warm, cheerful humor – the three qualities which, in the judgment of the English faculty, also characterize the recipient of this award.

The Rev. Robert J. Cornell Award for Excellence in Political Science

The Honorable Rev. Robert J. Cornell, O. Praem., was a member of the St. Norbert College faculty from 1947 until his passing in 2009. During his 50-plus years at the college, he played a significant role in many aspects of campus life. In addition to his faculty position, Father Cornell served as dean of men, resident student counselor and supervisor of food service. The hallmark of Father Cornell’s career was service: his service to the Norbertines, to St. Norbert College, to his students and to his country.

Father Cornell received his bachelor’s degree from St. Norbert College in 1941, his master’s degree from Catholic University in 1947, and his Ph.D. in history, also from Catholic University, in 1957. It is for service to his community and the broader political system that the political science award is named in his honor. Father Cornell served as the chair



of the 8th Congressional District Democratic party from 1969 to 1974 and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979.

Returning from Washington in 1979, Father Cornell had a joint appointment in history and political science. His special expertise and experiences made significant contributions in his classes on legislative politics, the presidency, and U.S. politics and government. This award is given to the political science student who also has developed an excellent academic record and who has provided public service or is considering a career in public service.

The John E. Cramer Prize in Sociology & Anthropology

Professor John E. Cramer served the college for 17 years, during which time he was instrumental in the founding of the departments of sociology, anthropology and political science. He served as chairman and coordinator of the department of sociology and anthropology for 12 years, was a member of the board of directors of the National Catholic Academic Honor Society, and was called upon to serve the National Science Foundation and every significant faculty committee at St. Norbert College.

A scholar of remarkable breadth, he brought with him a background in the above disciplines as well as economics, philosophy and history. A man of strong character, he forcefully argued that a liberal arts education must integrate the insights and perspectives of all these fields. He was rewarded by his students with consistent respect and affection, and he was recognized with an Outstanding Teacher Award.

The Cramer Prize is given yearly to an outstanding senior majoring in sociology or anthropology who, in his or her academic and community achievements, maintains the qualities we are commemorating with the award.

The Daniel F. Dickhut Art Award

Daniel Dickhut (1931-2008) was the founder of the art department in 1956 and taught full time until 1996. He was the first and only chair of the department, later becoming its first coordinator. Professor Dickhut had long been a guiding force in the art program as it evolved and grew and had been instrumental in formulating the graphic-design sequence within the major. It was with sincere thanks for all his efforts and direction that this award was named in his honor.

The Rev. Joseph E. Dorff Award in Psychology

The Rev. Joseph E. Dorff, O. Praem., had a very special impact on St. Norbert College. As a productive member of the psychology faculty, he maintained an active and committed interest in research activities and in teaching. He involved himself in musical events within the college and was a particularly innovative member of college committees. His ministry as a Norbertine priest endeared him to the parish he served. Father Dorff maintained warm friendships among students, faculty, staff and his Norbertine brothers, the sort of friendships that encouraged people to achieve with confidence and love with sincerity.

This award is intended by the donor to lend encouragement and support to outstanding young men and women who share a part of the vision Father Dorff held for St. Norbert College throughout his lifetime. It is hoped that the award will, in some way, underscore the values embodied in the one for whom it is named.

The Jeanne M. Godschalx Art Award

Jeanne M. Godschalx was an enthusiastic and dedicated art student at St. Norbert College until her death in her senior year. The first formal art gallery and the current student gallery bear her name. This art award commemorates the passion and joie de vivre she shared with all.

The Rev. Isadore Gosz Award in Media

The Rev. Isadore Gosz, O. Praem., was, for many years, a noted figure in Green Bay-area media. From 1961 to 1975, he served as managing director of WBAY-TV, WBAY-AM/FM and WHBY-AM in Appleton, Wis.



Father Gosz, who entered the Norbertine order in 1941, also taught mathematics from 1943 to 1959 at St. Norbert College while serving as the college’s business manager. He then served as assistant to the college’s vice president for business and finance.

The Father Gosz award is made in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the media field. The student receiving the award has been judged by the communication faculty to exemplify the quality work that has been the trademark of Father Gosz’s involvement in mass communication.

The Rev. Anselm M. Keefe Founder’s Award in Drama

The Rev. Anselm M. Keefe, O. Praem. (1895-1974), served St. Norbert College in a variety of capacities during his 53 years as a Norbertine priest. He taught English, speech and biology from 1919 to 1968, was chairman of the biology department from 1926 to 1965, and served as dean of the college from 1927 to 1952 (except for a period during World War II when he served as an Army chaplain).

Father Keefe was a man of many talents and interests, and he had the energy to pursue them all with high standards of excellence. Father Keefe had an amazing aptitude for recognizing needs at the college and then devising methods for filling them, often through personal commitment.

This award is in honor of Father Keefe’s long and celebrated theatre career at St. Norbert. In 1929, he organized the Collegiate Players for the purpose of presenting plays on campus. From its inception until 1965, he was the producer and principal director. In his 36 years of participation, he personally directed 59 of the 67 plays produced.

At his death in 1974, he left an enviable record of theatre production that had significantly altered the lives of hundreds of students who participated directly in the plays and who had the pleasure of being part of the audience. The recipients of this award characterize the dedication evidenced by Father Keefe.


The Rev. Edward Killeen, O. Praem. (1897-1971), though he had long cherished the hope of becoming a priest, interrupted his studies in order to supplement the family income. He learned the difficulties that the unorganized farmers and laboring men of that time were forced to bear in order to eke out a livelihood. These experiences were to stand him in good stead when he elected the fields of economics and industrial labor relations as his areas of concentration at the University of Wisconsin. As a member of the order of St. Norbert in 1930, following ordination, the department of economics conferred on him a master’s degree in 1936 and, in 1942, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. The St. Norbert College yearbook of 1960, dedicated to Father Killeen, stated:

“He began teaching at Saint Norbert in 1941. Since then, as priest, educator, advisor and friend, Father Killeen has been an inspiring leader to the students. His many and varied accomplishments, his generosity, his humor, and his kindness have earned our respect and admiration. ... Guided by Christian principles and a true sense of fairness to all with whom he works, he has dedicated his life to God and his fellow man.”

The award is based on academic excellence in economics and participation in scholarly activities in economics and allied disciplines.

The Elizabeth G. King Award for Excellence in International Studies

Professor Elizabeth King served the college for 35 years from 1973 to 2008. She was instrumental in founding the international studies major as well as the political science major.

She was appointed to the social sciences division chair three times and served as associate dean and acting director of the international center.



Professor King has left an indelible mark on the college and established a vibrant international studies program. This award is given yearly to a senior international studies major who has reflected this excellence and achievement.

The David L. Klopotek Award for Excellence in Chemistry

The David L. Klopotek Award for Excellence in Chemistry is awarded to the outstanding graduating chemistry major as determined by a vote of the department faculty. Common traits among those selected to receive this award are academic excellence, participation in student-faculty collaborative research and motivation to pursue graduate studies in the field of chemistry.

The award was named in honor of Professor Klopotek upon his retirement from the chemistry discipline in 2001. The endowed portion of the award was established by his last organics class, alumni and friends.

Professor Klopotek graduated from St. Norbert College in 1964 and received his Ph.D. in chemistry from Utah State University in 1967. After a short stay at DuPont, he returned to St. Norbert College as a faculty member in 1968. During his tenure at St. Norbert College, he remained active with student-faculty collaborative research, much of it funded by NASA. Professor Klopotek ended his career with more than 13 major publications and more than a half-million dollars in grants.

The Robert F. Kramer Award for Excellence in Accounting

Professor Robert F. Kramer (1925-2015) was a member of the business administration faculty in accounting for 28 years. He was chairman and coordinator of the department for 11 years. The business administration department grew from a full-time faculty of two members, who were both accountants, to 10 members, with specialists in accounting, management, marketing, finance, business law and computers. It was under his guidance that advanced courses in management, marketing and finance were developed.

Professor Kramer served the college by being a member of many faculty committees. He received the Leonard Ledvina Outstanding Teacher Award in 1983. Professor Kramer was very active in the accounting profession. He served on many committees of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He was a member of the board of directors of WICPA for several years and was elected president of the 6,000-member organization. He also served a term on the governing council of the American Institute of CPAs. He received a joint award from WICPA and AICPA for his significant contribution to accounting education as a teacher and to the accounting profession through his active involvement in professional activities. In the year he retired, WICPA honored him with its Distinguished Career Award.

Professor Kramer’s academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and dedication to community service also are the qualities that characterize the senior accounting major who receives this award.

The Nathaniel Lebish Award for Excellence in International Business & Language Area Studies

Retired Lt. Col. Nathaniel “Nat” H. Lebish had a tremendously varied personal and professional life, starting at the age of 18 when he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps to fulfill his life’s ambition to become a pilot. He achieved this dream by learning to fly before he could drive a car and had a 25-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1970. During that time, he served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He also served during the Cold War, flying numerous missions in protection of the United States. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his honorary service during the Korean War.

Nat Lebish’s second career, as a professor of accounting at St. Norbert College, was just as long and successful. During this second 25-year career, he was the founder of the international business and language area studies (IBLAS) program and developed St. Norbert’s flight-training program, where he had the privilege of teaching several other professors to fly. He had a love of teaching and was respected and admired by his students. He retired from St. Norbert in 1995. Just as important as his accomplishments as a professor was the legacy he left behind as a kind, loving, good-hearted



and generous man. He was known around campus for always having a smile on his face, being willing to help students academically and personally, and for truly caring for his students and their challenges and triumphs.

The Nathaniel Lebish Award for Excellence in International Business & Language Area Studies is based on academic excellence and active leadership in Discoveries International and is awarded to an international business and language area studies major.

The William J. O’Callaghan Award in the Arts & Sciences

William J. O’Callaghan (1927-1983) taught philosophy at St. Norbert College for more than 25 years until his untimely death in December 1983. His work was a genuine “labor of love.” He loved the wisdom that his mentor in philosophy and in faith – Thomas Aquinas – taught him to seek as the proper completion of the human intellect. And he loved the family, the colleagues and the students who joined with him in the strenuous but exhilarating search for that wisdom. With unfailing patience and infectious good humor, Professor O’Callaghan led St. Norbert College students of two generations toward an understanding and appreciation of the “true” to be found through metaphysics, of the “good” as pursued in political philosophy, and even of the “beautiful” as communicated through the work of Dante Alighieri.

This award is bestowed on a student whose intellectual life already has begun to manifest the love and dedication Professor O’Callaghan exemplified. His colleagues expect that in such a student, these virtues will continue to grow as they did in Professor O’Callaghan throughout life and “right on into eternity.”

The Thomas Phelan & James Regan Award for Excellence in Philosophy

Thomas W. Phelan and James T. Regan both began their teaching careers at St. Norbert College in the early 1950s and continued here until their retirements in the late 1980s. Together they taught at the college a total of 75 years.

Both were graduates of the rigorous program in philosophy at St. Louis University and carried its high standards into the classrooms and hallways of St. Norbert. As laypersons joining a faculty that was largely Norbertine, they were pioneers in the faculty’s transformation to the predominantly lay group it is today. And during this critical transition, they helped the college preserve its Norbertine character.

Through the 1960s, professors Phelan and Regan taught the full range of philosophy courses based on the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas that were required of all St. Norbert students. As the philosophy requirements changed with the Catholic church’s renewal initiated by the Second Vatican Council, professors Phelan and Regan pursued additional research and teaching interests. For Professor Phelan, these included ancient Greek philosophy and aesthetics; for Professor Regan, Asian philosophy and business ethics. Each received the Leonard Ledvina Outstanding Teacher Award in recognition of distinguished service in the classroom.

These two men contributed greatly to the spirit of community that characterizes the college. Their kindness, concern for others and warm hospitality embodied the fundamental Norbertine values on which the college is founded. Professors Phelan and Regan were men of profound humanism and of the highest intellectual and moral commitment. This award is given to a graduating philosophy student whose college career has begun to exemplify these qualities.


The Basil R. Reuss Prize in History was one of the first academic awards established at St. Norbert College. It is given to an outstanding senior majoring in history who, in the judgment of the history faculty, demonstrates the interest in history and the recognition of its importance in society exemplified by Father Reuss.

The Rev. Basil Reuss, O. Praem. (1903-1959), practiced law briefly in his home state of Pennsylvania prior to entering the Norbertine order in 1929. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1934 and served as professor of history from 1934 to his sudden death in 1959. For most of this period, he was chairman of the history department at St. Norbert College. Father Reuss probably was the best-known Norbertine of his time in northeast Wisconsin because of his nightly radio




broadcasts (“Let’s Think About It”), in which he discussed current events. He also was much in demand for speaking and preaching engagements during his tenure at St. Norbert College.


Malcolm Schuldes began his illustrious business career immediately upon his graduation from high school in 1909. During his 66 years in business, he worked as a bookkeeper, salesman, messenger, banker and accountant. By 1926, he was a certified public accountant and a partner in the firm of Smith, Illingson and Schuldes. Throughout his career, he proved to be an honest, industrious, innovative worker, which won him the respect of his colleagues and clients.

Although Mr. Schuldes never had the opportunity to attend college, he demonstrated his commitment to continuing education by periodically attending classes and by constantly educating himself in new areas through extensive reading. His commitment to higher education is apparent through his very generous gifts to St. Norbert College. His enthusiasm for learning, his innovative approach to his work, his commitment to honesty in business and his concern for the community in which he lived are characteristics which, in the opinion of the business administration faculty, also are evident in the student receiving this award.

The Rev. Robert A. Sromovsky Award for Excellence in Music

This award is given to a senior music student who has maintained a grade-point average of 3.75 in music courses at St. Norbert College and a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 overall. In addition, the student must have taken an active part in various musical activities of the music discipline, beyond the coursework demanded by the major, by giving freely of time and effort.

This award was named in memory of the Rev. Robert A. Sromovsky, O. Praem., professor emeritus of music and mathematics. Father Sromovsky, an alumnus of St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was professor and chairman of music and mathematics at St. Norbert College for 40 years.

His work as a scholar led him to a profound interest and expertise in Renaissance and medieval church music. At the same time, Father Sromovsky created numerous musical compositions for voice. He is fondly remembered by numerous alumni for his wit, his patience, and his concern for his students and associates in the music discipline.

The Cassandra J. Voss Award in Women’s & Gender Studies

Cassandra J. Voss (1985-2007) was a double-major in English and women’s and gender studies with a minor in art at St. Norbert College. An excellent student and beloved member of the college community, Cassandra was a campus leader whose joyful, loving and bold spirit inspired everyone who met her.

Cassandra was a pioneer in women’s and gender studies: She would have graduated in 2008 as the first-ever women’s and gender studies major (self-designed). She possessed tireless intellectual curiosity, which she demonstrated by presenting academic work at three different conferences, including the National Women’s Studies Association Confer- ence, a rare honor for an undergraduate student. She was an explorer who completed a women’s and gender studies summer program in London, and was about to study abroad in South Africa with a focus on global women’s and gender concerns. Cassandra also was an excellent student; she was on the dean’s list every semester and was a member of the English honorary society Sigma Tau Delta. As a Women’s Center intern, she investigated gender issues outside the classroom through the many innovative programs she dreamed and executed.

To honor her legacy, this interdisciplinary award recognizes a senior who has demonstrated excellence in the field of women’s and gender studies. Ideally, Cassandra’s exuberance, commitment, creativity and intellectual inquiry also are qualities characterizing the award recipient.

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